One of the waterfowl that is particularly wonderfully beautiful is the wood duck. The exquisite females have a unique profile and a delicate white pattern around their eyes, while the handsome males are iridescent chestnut and green with complex designs on practically every feather. These birds can be found in forested swamps, where they build their nests in tree cavities or nest boxes placed along lakes' edges. One of the few duck species with powerful claws that can grab bark and let them sit on trees.
Wood Duck Specifications
Wood Duck ID
Look for wood ducks at the boundaries of marshes with many trees, slow-moving streams, overgrown beaver ponds, and swamps. They have a lower likelihood of being on a wide body of open water. They navigate the vegetation that is growing out of the water by picking it, and they stand on tree branches or logs at the beach. Please pay attention to their recognizable oblong head shape. They have a striking pattern when flying: black underwings and breasts with a brilliant abdomen in contrast.
